Ralph A. Lacorato

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph Aniceto Lacorato, 75, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, who died peacefully on June 19, 2025, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 30, 1949, in Altoona, Pennsylvania to Ralph Lacorato, Sr. and Marion Johnston Lacorato, Ralph grew up in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania and later attended the University of Indiana Pennsylvania, where he earned his B.A. in Psychology. He married his longtime sweetheart Joanna Reilly of Cresson, Pennsylvania in 1971 and was drafted into the United States Army in 1969, rising to the rank of Captain after graduating from Fort Benning’s Officer Candidate School. In 1972, Ralph and Joanna’s only child, Sam was born while he was stationed in Providence, Rhode Island. The family moved to Michigan in 1976 when Ralph started his 30 plus year career at Ford Motor Company working mostly as a Labor Relations Executive at the Livonia Transmission Plant. His tenure continued after his beloved first wife Joanna’s death up until he met his second wife Judy, while working at what is now called the UAW-Ford Joint Trusts Center in Detroit, Michigan. After marrying, the happy couple moved to Northville, Michigan, where they lived a beautiful life. Ralph was a proud member of both the Gallitzin Italian Mutual Society and the Italian American Club of Livonia. Ralph bravely and valiantly battled cancer for nearly ten years. He is survived by his loving wife Judy, son Sam Lacorato, daughter-in-law Anneke Burnell-Lacorato, granddaughter Allante’(Scott) Hoch, grandson Brenden Lacorato, step-children, Sandra (Edgar) Donabedian, Deanna (Mike) Petro, sister, Nancy (Steve) Thompson, loving niece Cassie (Jim) Grassmyer, nephew Robert Thompson (Stephanie) and a host of step grand-children, nieces, nephews and friends. The family is grateful for the amazing care provided to Ralph by Angela Hospice of Livonia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or American Cancer Society in Ralph’s name and memory. Viewing will be held for family and friends on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 11 am until the 1 PM service at Gibbons-Houser Funeral Home, 301 Church Street in Gallitzin, Pa. The family appreciates your prayers and kind expressions of sympathy. To share a memory, please use the share a memory tab on this webpage.

Ralph A. Lacorato

December 30, 1949 - June 19, 2025